Finding Your Own Rhythm Among Austin’s Home Decor

As any lifelong resident knows, Austin has spent far too much time playing second fiddle to Dallas. While that behemoth has taken center stage, those of us on the fringe have quietly marched to the beat of our own drum when it comes to home design: avoiding what we perceive as ostentatious, opting instead to play it humbly with a variety of natural resources and out-of-the-ordinary decor.

Now it’s time to celebrate our uniqueness. Whether you call Austin home, consider it a winter getaway or simply want to replicate the styles familiar to the area, here’s a rundown of how you can transform your home to reflect the culture we call our own.

Choosing the right (warm colors)

Many Austinites love to merge rustic living with warm colors, and this tendency threads through every aspect of home decor. As such, many of our houses will have exposed wood beams that add a touch of earthiness, as well as clean lines that seem to fuse well with most color schemes. We like bright and bold colors that represent Mother Earth. For instance, you’re apt to find a palette of reds, blues, golds, oranges and yellows that are fundamental in so much Southwestern decor. At the same time, we often incorporate natural wood furniture that reflects the more lush, green topography of the American Southeast.

Finding a place for hide rugs

Hide rugs, or more accurately, cowhide rugs, tend to create domestic bliss among many of the locals. Their design capacity is limitless, with everything from simple to intricate patterns and neutral or vibrant colors on full display. They can easily tie a room together without coming across as overbearing, and their durability stands up to the most chaotic of lifestyles.

Going green at home

Austin has always been at the forefront of green home decor, and that’s led to an increase in energy-efficient design. Adding features such as exceptionally reflective metal roofing, inexpensive LED lighting and high R-value insulation can increase a home’s worth and sustainability, as well as reduce its environmental footprint.

Trading space for place

Let’s face it: Most people in Austin aren’t chasing the next McMansion. Our style tends toward minimalistic, wherein we keep the items that bring us joy and release those that come across as clutter. With the sheer amount of activities to enjoy in Austin, many of us are opting for smaller spaces that allow us to walk or easily transport to our destinations. In line with that de-cluttering trend, we often seek the best storage unit options, which will give you climate control and ground or drive-up access.

Making a statement with mirrors

Often without large windows or even much real estate, bathrooms can be a difficult place to enliven. That may be why so many locals choose to incorporate a stylish, statement-making mirror in their restroom decor. Replacing the standard medicine-cabinet mirror with something a bit more unique in terms of shape, size and design, residents create an atmosphere of playfulness and bliss in their powder room.

Opting for frameles, no-entry showers

Speaking of adding touches to the bathroom, frameless, zero-entry (no curb) showers are making a grand entrance, thereby replacing the unattractive, cheap-looking shower inserts of yesteryear. This newer style of shower incorporates a steady line of tile all the way to the ceiling rather than leaving 12 to 24-inches of bare wall exposed.

Right now is an ideal time to incorporate some classic Austin touches into your home decor. Whether you want to downsize, upsize or simply renovate, Austin is loaded with fun places to help you on your way.